Question 1

How much is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump or ground source heat pump. The grant is paid directly to your MCS-certified installer, so it comes straight off your invoice — you never handle the money yourself.

Question 2

Can I get a heat pump for free?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, yes. If you're on qualifying benefits and your home has an EPC rating of D or below, the ECO4 scheme can cover up to 100% of heat pump costs. Even without ECO4, the £7,500 BUS grant brings many installations down to £2,000–£5,000 out of pocket. Some local authority schemes offer additional top-up funding.

Question 3

Do I need an EPC to apply for a grant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme requires a valid EPC that's less than 10 years old. If you don't have one, an energy assessor can produce one for around £60–£100. The EPC also helps identify what insulation work might be needed before installing a heat pump.

Question 4

Can I combine multiple energy grants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. You can't use BUS and ECO4 on the same measure (e.g., you can't get both for a heat pump), but you can use ECO4 or GBIS for insulation and then BUS for a heat pump. In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland grants can be combined with other schemes. Check each scheme's rules, as they do vary.

Question 5

Am I eligible for ECO4?

Accepted Answer

ECO4 is aimed at low-income and fuel-poor households. You'll typically qualify if you receive benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Child Tax Credit, and your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Some households in deprived areas can qualify through the LA Flex route even without qualifying benefits — ask your local council.

Question 6

Are energy grants available for private renters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ECO4 and GBIS are available to private renters, but your landlord needs to give written consent for the work. The BUS grant is trickier — it's designed for homeowners, though landlords can apply on behalf of their properties. If you're renting, start by asking your landlord to apply for ECO4 or GBIS, which can be fully funded.

Question 7

How long does it take to get a grant approved?

Accepted Answer

The BUS grant typically takes 3–4 weeks from your installer submitting the application to receiving a voucher. The installation must then be completed within 3 months. ECO4 timelines vary depending on your energy supplier and local delivery partner — expect 4–12 weeks from initial enquiry to installation.

Question 8

Will the Boiler Upgrade Scheme be extended beyond 2028?

Accepted Answer

The BUS is currently funded until March 2028. The government has signalled strong commitment to heat pump rollout (targeting 600,000 installations per year by 2028), so an extension or replacement scheme is likely but not guaranteed. If you're considering a heat pump, applying while the £7,500 grant is confirmed is the safest approach.

UK Energy Grants & Funding 2026

Available Grants

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)

Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)

Home Energy Scotland

Nest Scheme (Wales)

Grants by Nation

Heat Pump Grants Scotland 2026

Heat Pump Grants Wales 2026

Heat Pump Grants Northern Ireland 2026

Solar Panel Grants Scotland 2026

Solar Panel Grants Wales 2026

Free Insulation Grants Scotland 2026

Free Insulation Grants Wales 2026

Insulation Grants Northern Ireland 2026

Grant Guides

Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: Complete Application Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Grants